Philippines "electronic visa" applicants also need to go to the consulate "interview" and "ordinary travel visa" difference

According to Philippine media, on August 1, Philippine Senator Nancy Binay (Nancy Binay) put pressure on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), saying that applicants should be required to visit the consulate in person as a non-negotiable prerequisite for certain types of electronic visas.

Binet made the call while welcoming the Philippines' first e-visa trial on August 24, 2023, which will begin with China and India. Binay said that the applicant's personal presence at the consulate will help ensure that the government provides adequate guarantees for national security and the fight against human trafficking.

Binay said the Foreign Office must develop better homeland security policies to avoid being circumvented by non-technical loopholes and to reduce the possibility of organized groups taking advantage of tour groups and intermediaries.

"We welcome the implementation of e-visas, not only to actively promote tourism, but also our commitment to facilitate travel," Binet said."

"Similarly, we urge the Foreign Office and the National Intelligence Coordination Agency (NICA) to refine national security policies to deter unwanted travellers from illegally bypassing immigration laws," she noted."

"We know that some nationals come to the Philippines with different motives, then we should review our system to avoid misuse and abuse by some foreigners."

Binet stressed that while digitization should improve ease of travel, it should not compromise national security.

"Although the electronic visa system temporarily provides us with the opportunity to restore and start the Philippine tourism industry, we need to make a serious strategic decision to use the system as a modern travel solution."

"Every visa decision involves national security, and certain security parameters should be worked out and multi-layered security measures and face-to-face interviews should be implemented for a small group of travelers to ensure that all tourists in the country are really vetted."

Binet said that a review of the grounds related to transnational organized criminals (TOC) and extensive security screening should be the first consideration in approving visa applications.

"In the national interest, I agree with the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request a face-to-face interview for tourist visa applicants whose personal particulars fall into the marked category," Binet explained."

Similarly, she said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should exercise caution and asked the Immigration Service (BI) to also establish a vetting system for foreigners overstaying in the country.

Considering that the Philippines is the only ASEAN country that enjoys first-class status in the US State Department's annual report on human trafficking, the lawmaker said the ministry cannot turn a blind eye to media reports about alleged trafficking of Chinese workers to the Philippines.

She stressed: "I agree with the view that we must take advantage of the global phenomenon of 'retaliatory tourism', but targeting tourist quotas does not necessarily weaken national security interests."

She reiterated: "At the end of the day, a safety net for homeland security should be in place. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they are eligible for an e-visa, whether for tourism, business or emergency purposes."

The senator said the policy must apply to all foreigners and "we have to be cautious at all times."